MallowbyNames

Liel

lee-EL · Of uncertain origin; possibly means 'to me, God' or 'my God' in Hebrew, or is a modern variant of Lielle.

2025 rank (girls)
#4,878
Babies named in 2025
27
Peak popularity
2022
2025 frequency
1 in 59,528 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #4,878 for girls today.

Popularity of Liel since 2002

Babies named Liel per year in U.S. Social Security records.

12233520102020Most births 2022GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
2000s1015
2010s18644
2020s16562

Meaning & origin

The name Liel represents a modern Hebrew name, first recorded in the United States in 2002. It has maintained a stable but low popularity, ranking 4,878 in 2025, with approximately 1 in 59,528 female newborns receiving the name. Its peak year of usage was 2022, possibly reflecting a growing interest in short, melodic Hebrew names. The trajectory shows stability, indicating a steady but niche appeal. In the U.S., Liel is most common in New York and California, states with large Jewish populations. While its exact origins are debated, it likely derives from 'li El' (to me, God) or is a spelling variant of Lielle. The name's soft sound and religious undertones make it an attractive choice for families seeking a modern name with ancient roots.

Liel is a relatively modern name, first recorded in the United States in 2002. It likely derives from the Hebrew phrase 'li El' (לִי אֵל) meaning 'to me, God' or 'my God,' similar to the name Lielle. It may also be a variant of the Hebrew name Liela, meaning 'night.' The name has gained modest use in Israel and among Jewish communities, though its exact origins remain uncertain.

Where Liel is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Liel” around the world

Where Liel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    10

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Lie, Lili

Variants: Lielle, Liela, Lielah, Li-el

Sibling names for Liel

Names that share Liel's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Noa, Maya, Avigail, Shira, Eliana

Brothers: Eitan, Yonah, Ari, Noam, Lev

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

L is for Liel, our favorite little girl.

L is for Liel…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Liel's letter becomes Liel's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Liel's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Liel mean?
The meaning is uncertain, but it may come from Hebrew 'li El' meaning 'to me, God' or be a variant of Lielle. It could also relate to the Hebrew word for 'night.'
Is Liel a popular name?
Liel is rare in the U.S., ranking 4,878 in 2025, with about 1 in 59,528 newborns given the name. Its peak year was 2022.
Is Liel a boy or girl name?
Liel is primarily used for girls in the U.S., though it can be unisex in Israel.